Microsoft releases its Security Bulletins for February 2006

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-005
warns of a vulnerability in Windows Media Player that could potentially allow an attacker to execute code on an affected
system and thereby gain complete control of its functions. The vulnerability lies in the way Windows Media Player handles
bitmap (.bmp) files. An attacker could construct a malicious bitmap image file and plant it on a webpage or in e-mail messages.
Malicious code would then be executed on a user's system when the webpage or the e-mail is viewed.

Users are advised to patch their systems against these vulnerabilities immediately. Patches can be downloaded via
links posted within the appropriate Security Bulletins or by visiting
Microsoft Update.

Important: We recommend that users patch their systems by downloading and installing critical
Microsoft updates
as soon as possible.

Users are also encouraged to update their antivirus software daily and to install a
firewall on their computers, if they have not done so already. For more information
on firewalls, please read Microsoft's
tutorial on
how to protect your PC.